Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Usman Khawaja's Absence from Ashes Test Opening Raises Concerns
Usman Khawaja, an Australian cricket player, didn't open the batting in the first Ashes Test against England.
He wasn't on the field when England was batting.
Cricket Australia first said he was off the field for short breaks, but later said he had back stiffness and a back spasm.
Another player, Marnus Labuschagne, opened with the new player, Jake Weatherald, instead of Khawaja.
Usman Khawaja did not open batting with Jake Weatherald on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test
Khawaja was not on the field during England's first innings
Cricket Australia initially attributed his absence to 'toilet breaks and stretching'
Later, it was revealed that Khawaja had suffered back stiffness and a back spasm
Marnus Labuschagne opened with Weatherald in Khawaja's absence
- Who
- Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald
- What
- Khawaja's absence from opening batting in the Ashes Test
- When
- Day 1 of the first 2025-26 Ashes Test
- Where
- Perth Stadium, Australia
- Why
- Khawaja suffered back stiffness and a back spasm
Cricket Australia's Initial Statement
Cricket Australia's Later Clarification
Reason for Khawaja's Absence
Cricket Australia's Initial Statement
Toilet breaks and stretching
Cricket Australia's Later Clarification
Back stiffness and back spasm
- Match
- First Test of 2025-26 Ashes series
- Teams
- Australia vs England
- Venue
- Perth Stadium, Australia
- Khawaja's Role
- Opening batter for Australia
- Weatherald's Role
- Debutant opening batter for Australia
- England's First Innings Score
- 172 all out